Rayleigh Club Golf Resort

One of the better courses in Essex

I always wanted to play the Rayleigh South course. It’s been called Lords and Hanover golf club in the past. I even tried to join it a few years ago. They said they were full & had a waiting list...

So when Gregg Munro asked me to partner him in the Abu Dhabi pairs competition against a pair from Rayleigh GC I was excited to finally get to play the course.

The clubhouse doubles as a wedding venue. But they are prompt with food and drinks all with COVID restrictions.I did not use the practice facilities other than the putting green.

The fee was wavered on the day and I was charged £16 for a buggy, this was a Saturday afternoon and we were playing with members.

The course was in very good condition other than a couple of broken-down tees and the bunkers were 'pick and place'.

The fairways were good quality as were the greens.

The course has some spectacular holes especially on the back nine.

I really liked the layout. There’s plenty of water but some very wide fairways.
Much of the course is a mature tree-lined so you need to know what side of the fairway to play two.

Many approaches are blind, which makes course knowledge a must.

If you get a chance to play it, definitely do it, I’d love to play It again!

  

Rayleigh Club - East Course (Academy Course)

The Rayleigh Club has changed ownership and names several times over the years. The course was built in 1991 and opened as the Hanover Golf Club, it later changed hands and was renamed Lords Golf and Country Club, it was renamed again approx 4-5 years ago as the Rayleigh Club.

The club is relatively easy to find and is at the back of Rayleigh on the road towards Hullbridge. There is plenty of parking onsite, a driving range, and a putting green. The club holds several non-golf events throughout the year (beer festivals, weddings etc) and the main clubhouse and restaurant is nice.

There are 2 main courses, the East Course (4,580yds) and the South Course (6,286yds). I played the East course and booked via a twighlight deal on tee-off times for £12.50, it's normal price is £23 at the weekends, and £17 Mon-Fri; at £12.50 it's good value, however £23 does not represent value for money. The South Course has restrictions, members guest and guests cannot play until after 12 all week, and the green fees are pricey £38 weekday and £48 at the weekend.

Expect to score well on the East course, it was designed to encourage youngsters into the game, and cadets can only play on the South course once they reach a certain standard on this course. There are 6 par 3's, 11 Par 4's and a Par 5 with a respectable length of 475yds.

The tee boxes were well presented, the bunkers looked good (luckily I avoided these), however there was no real definition between the fairway and the rough, and there is minimal amounts of rough throughout the course. There are some water hazards, several dog legs and ditches to contend with and changes in elevation. The course is exposed to to the wind, and on the day I played, I played into the wind on at least 12 holes. The quality of the greens was first rate, and I expect these are the same quality of those on the main course.

I managed to get round the course in 2hrs 30 mins, I suspect at busier times you can expect a 3hr round. Overall I think the course is OK if you want to sharpen up your short game, and it's great course for introducing the next generation into golf (under 16's can play for £5 a round anytime of the week). It's not a course I would want to play frequently, however as I live less than 10 mins drive away I'm sure I'll play here again.


  

Inland style links course

Selling a course planner in the pro shop would be a worthwhile investment. There is some info on the website, but they have not converted it into a planner. It is not a particularly easy course. Water is in play on many of the holes, and very often you can't see the pin from the tee. So study the hole plan carefully on each tee, so you know where the water is. As a rule of thumb, tee shots between the fairway bunkers will usually get you to the corner of the dogleg.

There is a driving range, and a bar/function rooms. Expect this could be busy with lunches, functions etc.

This was part of a deal, but normal price for the longer of the two courses (South 6286 yards yellow) is £30-40. At this price there are better courses around.

It has changed its name a few times. Also known as Lords. However my golf GPS and my playing partners GPS couldn't find it

  

A Fantastic Course, Still Under Reconstruction Though !!

I played here on a Celebrity Charity Golf Day on a very warm and sunny afternoon. The course, though still under reconstruction on a couple of holes, is a great test of golf. The greens are top notch and the clubhouse, superb. By this time next year, this will be one of the best courses in Essex and well worth the visit.